“You’re only nineteen this year, and you’ve already got your driver’s license?”
Jamir finally looked up and glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “I got it as soon as I turned eighteen.”
He paused, half-jokingly, “What, are you not confident in my driving skills?”
Mollie smiled and shook her head from the back seat. “No, you’re driving very well.”
Suddenly, it started to rain outside, and raindrops covered the car windows. Mollie shifted her gaze away from Jamir and stared at the neon lights outside, lost in thought.
“It’s going to rain all week. If you want to go out, you might have to wait a while.”
Mollie leaned her head against the window and took the opportunity to stare at him while talking. “Do you know who I am?”
Nineteen-year-old Jamir looked at her again. “Bridger’s girlfriend.”
So he knew.
Mollie lost interest and closed her eyes to rest.
Their interaction was just that brief, yet he remembered it.
At this moment, Mollie’s expression subtly changed. She felt caught and her attitude towards Jamir became nuanced.
Jamir said nothing and calmly withdrew his gaze.
Not far away, Bridger was walking towards them.
In the hospital room, Joaquin had already walked up to Callie.
Her gaze was gentle. “Sit down. What would you like to drink?”
Joaquin’s face was tense, and he didn’t answer. Callie got up on her own, limping to the water dispenser to pour a cup of water, her hand trembling.
Joaquin stepped forward and grabbed it from her, asking directly, “You always knew your identity and have been using me.”
Callie pressed her lips together and looked directly into his eyes. “Yes.”
Some sins must be atoned for personally.
The veins on the back of Joaquin’s hand bulged.
“Ask me anything you want to know, and I’ll tell you.”
After a long standoff, Joaquin squeezed the disposable cup tightly and threw it into the trash can.
“I have only one question. Where is my father?”
He finally asked.
After everything that had happened, Reuben hadn’t shown up. He must have guessed why.
Callie clenched her fingers and told the truth. “He’s missing.”
Joaquin suddenly glared at her. “What did you say?”
“He went missing a few months ago. I’ve been looking for him ever since but haven’t found him. The trail went cold.”
Callie spoke calmly and then sighed with relief. She gave a bitter smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to worry or take risks, so I resorted to this.”
Joaquin didn’t hear a word she said. He raised his hand and pushed her. “Are you crazy?”
Callie fell onto the bed, bearing his anger as she deserved.
“Just tell me if this has anything to do with you.”
“Yes.” Guilt spread continuously.
“Callie!” Joaquin lost control completely. He pointed at her and said, “He may not be your biological father, but he is mine! You found your biological parents and can enjoy life now, but what about me? Where is my father? Give him back to me!”
Callie’s heart ached terribly. She was honest with everyone except Joaquin, towards whom she felt guilty.
“Listen to me. I will find Reuben, even if it costs me my life!” Callie sat up and looked at him sincerely.
Joaquin shook his head. “No, you’re about to return to the Ellison family. You’re going to be their daughter and won’t care about Reuben…”
Callie immediately denied it. “Impossible! Reuben will always be the closest person to me. Joaquin, I’m sorry. I promise you I will find him at any costs!”
She tried to grab Joaquin’s hand, but he shook her off with great force. “I don’t believe you. I truly hate you.”
Joaquin turned and left.